Crosses and Losses Quilt Block Pattern

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A Crosses and Losses quilt block is a classic quilt pattern that has been around for many years. This block is made up of four smaller blocks that come together to form a larger block. The smaller blocks are made up of half-square triangles, which are triangles made from two different fabrics sewn together. This pattern is great for beginners and advanced quilters alike.

Materials:

Fabric of your choice

Sewing machine

Rotary cutter and mat

Ruler

Pins

Iron

Thread

Instructions:

Choose your fabrics: For a Crosses and Losses quilt block, you will need two contrasting fabrics. One will be the main color, and the other will be the accent color. Choose fabrics that complement each other well.

Cut your fabric: Cut two squares of fabric, one of the main color and one of the accent color, that are the same size. The size will depend on how big you want your finished block to be. For example, if you want your finished block to be 12 inches, you will need two squares that are each 6 1/2 inches.

Make half-square triangles: Place the two squares right sides together and draw a diagonal line from corner to corner. Sew a 1/4-inch seam on each side of the line. Cut along the line to create two half-square triangles. Press the seams open.

Trim the half-square triangles: Use your ruler to trim the half-square triangles to the desired size. For example, if you want your finished block to be 12 inches, trim the half-square triangles to 3 1/2 inches.

Arrange the half-square triangles: Lay out the four half-square triangles in a Crosses and Losses pattern. Two half-square triangles should be arranged diagonally from each other, with the accent color in opposite corners.

Sew the half-square triangles together: Sew the two half-square triangles that are diagonally from each other together. Press the seams open. Sew the other two half-square triangles together in the same way. Press the seams open.

Sew the smaller blocks together: Sew the two smaller blocks together to form a larger block. Press the seam open.

Repeat: Repeat these steps to make as many Crosses and Losses quilt blocks as you need for your project.

Assemble your quilt: Once you have made enough Crosses and Losses quilt blocks, sew them together to form your quilt top. Add batting and backing, and then quilt as desired.

With these simple steps, you can create a beautiful Crosses and Losses quilt block pattern. This pattern is versatile and can be made in any size or color scheme to fit your project. Enjoy creating this classic quilt pattern!

How to Resize Quilt Blocks:

The first step in modifying any quilt block is to decide on the size of your finished quilt block. You can come to a decision based on a number of factors: doubling a pattern, cutting your pattern in half, or choosing the size based on your available fabric.

NOTE: When working from a pattern’s cutting instructions, make sure you remove the seam allowance before doubling or tripling the size. For instance, if your pattern calls for 3-1/2″ squares, first you’ll subtract the sum of the seam allowances (1/2″), double the finished block size (from 3″ to 6″), and add the seam allowance back in (1/2″). So, when all is said and done, you will cut a 6-1/2″ piece of fabric.

Resizing Square Blocks:

Square blocks are the easiest to resize. Simply add to your finished block measurement. For example, if you’d like your finished block to be a 4″ square, you’ll need to cut a 4-1/2″ square of fabric.

Resizing Rectangular Blocks:

Similarly to the square, for rectangle blocks, you’ll add to the length and width measurements of your finished block. If you’re doubling block that measures 3″ x 4″ in your quilt, you’ll cut a 6-1/2″ x 8-1/2″ rectangle of fabric.

Resizing Half-Square Triangle Blocks:

When you want to change the size of a Half-Square Triangle block, add 7/8″ to the desired finished block size. To make a 4″ finished block, you’d cut 4-7/8″ squares.

Resizing Quarter Square Triangle:

Since there are two cut lines and two seam lines in a Quarter-Square Triangle block you’ll need to add 1-1/4″ to the desired finished block size. For a finished block that’s 4″, you’d cut your squares 5-1/4″.